Locking device

ABSTRACT

An elongated bolt-like locking element for selective reception through an apertured keeper element. The bolt element includes spring loaded securing arms movable between a first ring-retained position adjacent the shaft of the bolt element for free movement through the keeper aperture and a second outwardly biased position precluding withdrawal of the bolt element from the keeper.

Sompayrac 1 Oct. 14, 1975 LOCKING DEVICE [76] Inventor: Hewitt A. Sompayrac, Box 106 S.

Main, Society Hill, S.C. 29593 [22] Filed: July I, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 484,672

[52] US. Cl. 292/285; 292/304; 292/262 [51] Int. Cl. E05C 17/00; E05C 19/00 [58] Field of Search 292/285, 286, 304, 305, 292/262, 44, 54, DIG. 36; 70/93; 85/3 K, 3 S

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 563,434 7/1896 Webb 292/285 654,723 7/1900 Franks 292/262 669,929 3/1901 Johnson.... 292/262 683,020 9/1901 Camp 292/304 1,162,588 11/1915 Elliott 292/285 1,440,949 l/1923 Aldrich et al.... 292/285 2,538,668 l/l951 Chrisman 292/54 2,917,335 12/1959 Pyka 292/DIG. 36

3,287,050 1l/1966 Ferrante 292/262 3,669,481 6/1972 Bergmann... 292/304 3,804,454 4/1974 Simmons 292/262 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 604,941 7/1948 United Kingdom 292/54 1,032,416 7/1953 France. 292/304 Primary Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe Assistant ExaminerVictor N. Sakran Attorney, Agent, or Firm'C. Gordon McBride 57 ABSTRACT An elongated bolt-like locking element for selective reception through an apertured keeper element. The bolt element includes spring loaded securing arms movable between a first ring-retained position adjacent the shaft of the bolt element for free movement through the keeper aperture and a second outwardly biased position precluding withdrawal of the bolt element from the keeper.

6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent O ct.14,1975 3,912,31

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[/2 40 illlk LOCKING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention herein generally relates to new and useful improvements in locking devices.

While it is contemplated that the locking device of the invention will find primary utility as a safety lock for doors or windows, the nature of the lock is such so as to equally adapt it for use in substantially any environment wherein two units, members, or the like are to be brought into proximity and releasably secured. For example, the locking device can be utilized as a securing means for gates, animal pens, animal tethers, docking boats, canvas covers, the hanging of articles, etc.

A significant object of the invention is the provision of a locking device which provides a positive locking action in conjunction with simplified means for manually engaging and disengaging the bolt keeper elements are required.

A further object of the invention includes the provision of a locking device which basically can be adapted for use in substantially any environment wherein a quick release positive acting device would have utility.

Another object of the invention involves the provision of a universal locking'device which is of a simple although highly unique construction capable of economical manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Basically, the locking device includes an apertured keeper element in the form of a ring or loop through which the leading portion of the bolt element is selectively inserted. The bolt element, on the leading portion thereof, includes a pair of spring loaded arms selectively movable between a first collapsed position adjacent the shaft for movement through the keeper and a second outwardly biased position whereby withdrawal back through the keeper is precluded. The arms have notched seats on the exterior thereof for reception of a retaining ring utilized to retain the arms in the first collapsed position thereof for free movement through the keeper. Adjustment of the arms along the leading portion of the bolt shaft is provided for by mounting the arms on an internally threaded nut which engages a threaded portion of the shaft. The second end of the shaft constitutes a mounting end and is adapted to fix the bolt element with the leading end thereof projecting outwardly for alignment with an engagement through the keeper.

These features and advantages, together with others, will become more apparent from the following detailed description wherein reference is specifically made to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lock device of the invention installed in operative position on a door and door jamb; I

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bolt element;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional detail taken substantially on a plane passing along a line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a variation in the construction at the leading end of the bolt element; and

FIG. 6 is a view of the locking device installed in operative position on a window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While the locking device of the invention, as set forth supra, is particularly adapted for a wide variety of uses, it is contemplated that its primary use will be as a safety lock for doors and windows, and accordingly, the device has been so illustrated.

Referring specifically to the drawings, the locking device consists basically of a keeper element 10 and a bolt element 12. These elements 10 and 12 are respectively adapted to be secured to a pair of adjoining units, for example a door 14 and door jamb 16, in the manner whereby upon a closing of the door 14, the bolt element engages through the keeper element and is positioned for a manual interlocking therewith.

The keeper element 10 has an enlarged bolt receiving aperture 18 therethrough and can be formed of a rigid metal rod 20 curved into a loop with crossed ends, each of which includes an aperture therethrough for the reception of an appropriate mounting screw. A third mounting screw can be utilized at the point of crossing of the ends of the looped rod 20 for additional stability. As will be appreciated, the specific construction of the keeper can vary in accordance with the particular use of the locking device. For example, should the locking device be utilized to retain a truck overlying canvas, the keeper can be in the nature of a grommet reinforced hole through the canvas along the edge thereof.

The bolt element 12 includes an elongated rigid shaft 22 having a first mounting end portion 24 and a second projecting leading end portion 26. The mounting end portion 24 will normally be threaded and configured in the manner of a nut accommodating bolt or a tapered wood screw depending upon the particular nature of the unit to which the element 12 is to be affixed.

A pair of opposed securing arms 28 are pivotally mounted on the leading portion of the shaft 22 and are longitudinally adjustable therealong. This longitudinal adjustment of the securing arms 28 will preferably be achieved by a pivotal mounting of the arms 28 to a central nut 30, at least a portion of the corresponding section of the shaft 22 being threaded for an adjustable accommodation of the nut 30. The securing arms 28 are generally rearwardly directed toward the mounting end of the shaft 22 and are collapsible inwardly toward the shaft 22 against the biasing force of a pair of springs 32 which tend to automatically move the arms 28 outwardly. Once the arms 28 are located as desired along the shaft 22, a positioning washer and nut combination 34 is located immediately outward thereof.

The securing arms 28, when inwardly collapsed toward the shaft 12, pass freely through the keeper aperture 18. However, upon a positioning of the securing arms beyond the keeper aperture 18 and a release of the arms for an outward swinging thereof by the biasing springs 32, the arms 28 define a diametric extent substantially greater than that of the keeper aperture 18 and thereby preclude a withdrawal of the bolt element. The outward swinging of the arms 28 is limited to a maximum of approximately by engagement with the shaft 22 or the positioning washer and nut 34. In order to retain the securing arms 28 in their inwardly collapsed position, so as to allow for a free movement of the bolt element through the keeper aperture 18, an appropriate retaining ring 36 is utilized. This retaining ring 36 mounts about the leading end portion of the shaft 22 outward of the securing arms 28 and is selectively slidable rearwardly over the collapsed arms 28 so as to preclude an outward swinging of these arms 28. In order to positively position the retaining ring 36 about the collapsed arms 28, each of the arms 28 is provided with one or more seating notches 38 within which the ring 36 engages. The ring 36 is maintained positively seated within the notches 38 by the outward bias ing action of the springs 32. The arms 28, while retained by the ring 36 sufficiently collapsed so as to move freely through the'keeper aperture 18, are not completely collapsed. In this manner, a release of the ring 36 merely requires a slight further inward collapsing of the arms 28 and a foward sliding of the ring 36 therefrom.

The ring 36 is of a size so as to freely pass over the positioning nut and washer 34 and is retained in an easily accessible position on the leading portion of the shaft 22 by an enlarged elastomeric ring 40 which additionally functions as a protective or cushioning element for the leading end of the bolt element. This elastomeric ring 40 will normally be received over an elongated metal sleeve 42 retained against a head 44 formed on the end of the shaft 22 by an appropriate shaft mounted nut 46. If deemed necessary, a washer 48 can be utilized to retain the elastomeric ring 40. Alternatively, as suggested in FIG. 6, the entire leading end of the shaft can be enclosed within an appropriate elastomeric head 50.

In the manner of use, on a door, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the keeper will normally be secured to the door with the apertured portion thereof projecting beyond the leading edge of the door for reception over the projecting end portion of the door jamb mounted bolt element 12. As long as the retaining ring 36 is engaged over the collapsed securing arms 28, the door can open and close freely with the keeper 10 moving onto and off the bolt element in an unencumbered manner. When it becomes desirous to activate the safety lock subsequent to a closing of the door, the retaining ring 36 is merely slid forwardly allowing the arms 28 to be outwardly forcedby the pair of biasing springs 32. Once the arms 28 have spread outward, the keeper 10 can no longer be withdrawn from the bolt element 12. As will be appreciated, the orientation of the bolt element and keeper should be such so as to, when locked, avoid an opening of the door sufficiently so as to expose the lock elements to the outside of the door. When a release of the locking device is desired, the arms 28 are merely manually compressed toward each other and the retaining ring 36 moved rearwardly so as to fix the arms in their collapsed position. Inasmuch as the arms 28 mustbe collapsed in order to allow for an opening of the door, any possibility of accidentally locking oneself out is quite remote. In other words, the look only becomes effective when it is manually actuated from inside by specifically moving the securing ring 36.

With reference to FIG..6, the use of the locking device with a vertically sliding window 52 has been illustrated. If used in this manner, the keeper element will normally be mounted at or below the window sill 54 with the bolt elementbeing bracket mounted on the lower portion of the window 52 for extension through the keeper upon a downward closing of the window. As will be appreciated, the locking device can, while retaining the basic structural components detailed supra, be made in substantially any size depending upon the particular application or environment in which it is to be used.

The foregoing is considered illustrative of the principles of the invention. Since modifications and changes may readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to specifically limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is:

l. A locking device for releasably securing adjoining units against outward movement relative to each other said device including a keeper element and a bolt element mountable on the respective units: said keeper element having aperture therethrough for the selective reception of the bolt element; said bolt element comprising an elongated shaft; said shaft having a first mounting end for affixing of the bolt element to one of the units; and a second leading end for selective introduction into and through the keeper mounted on the second unit; securing means mounted on said shaft inward of the leading end; said securing means being selectively moveable between a first collapsed position adjacent the shaft for passage through the keeper and a second expanded position projecting outwardly from said shaft sufficiently to preclude passage through the keeper; said securing means having multiple arms, each arm having one end pivotally mounted to the shaft and being movable between a first inwardly pivoted position defining the collapsed position and a second outwardly pivoted position defining the expanded position; means biasing said arms to the outwardly pivoted position; and retaining means longitudinally shiftable along said shaft and selectively engageable over the arms in the inwardly pivoted position to preclude outward movement thereof.

2. The locking device of claim 1 including seats defined in said arms for the reception and retention of the retaining means.

3. The locking device of claim 2 wherein said retaining means comprises a retaining ring.

4. The locking device of claim 3 including outwardly enlarged elastomeric guard mounted about the leading end of the shaft and precluding movement of the retaining ring therefrom.

5. The locking device of claim 4 wherein said securing means is longitudinally adjustable along said shaft.

6; The locking device of claim 1 wherein said securing means is longitudinally adjustable along said shaft. 

1. A locking device for releasably securing adjoining units against outward movement relative to each other said device including a keeper eleMent and a bolt element mountable on the respective units: said keeper element having aperture therethrough for the selective reception of the bolt element; said bolt element comprising an elongated shaft; said shaft having a first mounting end for affixing of the bolt element to one of the units; and a second leading end for selective introduction into and through the keeper mounted on the second unit; securing means mounted on said shaft inward of the leading end; said securing means being selectively moveable between a first collapsed position adjacent the shaft for passage through the keeper and a second expanded position projecting outwardly from said shaft sufficiently to preclude passage through the keeper; said securing means having multiple arms, each arm having one end pivotally mounted to the shaft and being movable between a first inwardly pivoted position defining the collapsed position and a second outwardly pivoted position defining the expanded position; means biasing said arms to the outwardly pivoted position; and retaining means longitudinally shiftable along said shaft and selectively engageable over the arms in the inwardly pivoted position to preclude outward movement thereof.
 2. The locking device of claim 1 including seats defined in said arms for the reception and retention of the retaining means.
 3. The locking device of claim 2 wherein said retaining means comprises a retaining ring.
 4. The locking device of claim 3 including outwardly enlarged elastomeric guard mounted about the leading end of the shaft and precluding movement of the retaining ring therefrom.
 5. The locking device of claim 4 whrein said securing means is longitudinally adjustable along said shaft.
 6. The locking device of claim 1 wherein said securing means is longitudinally adjustable along said shaft. 